Telegram

This page is about general methods of telegraphy. For the messaging service, see Telegram (software).

World wiring, ca. 1891

Telegram is one the fastest and most reliable means of sending written information by means of a telegraph

A telegram sent for christmas, in 1951

A telegram (Greek tele: distant and gramma: letter) is a written message transmitted by using an electric device. The message was carried along wires, and the text written or printed and delivered by hand or teleprinter.

Telegrams were very widely used, because private telephones were not usual. Nowadays they are not useful because most people have private telephones and the use of e-mail. The idea was developed by the BritishPost Office as a service for urgent letters.